NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Marine Authorities, Lawmakers, Condemn China's Installation Of Floating Barrier
Screengrab from PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have strongly denounced China Coast Guard's (CCG) installation of a 300-meter floating barrier in the Southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM).
The PCG and BFAR personnel discovered the barrier during a routine maritime patrol on September 22, 2023, near BDM. Three CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and a Chinese Maritime Militia service boat were responsible for placing the barrier upon the BFAR vessel's arrival.
The barrier has hindered Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) from entering the shoal, impacting fishing and livelihood activities.
Local fishermen reported that CCG vessels often install floating barriers when a large number of Filipino fishermen are present in the area. During the patrol, more than fifty FFBs were engaged in fishing activities in the vicinity.
The BFAR provided grocery items and fuel subsidies to the affected fishermen. However, tensions escalated as four CCG vessels initiated a series of fifteen radio challenges, claiming that the presence of the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen violated international and Chinese domestic laws.
Several lawmakers have weighed in on the issue. Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly condemned China's actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of Filipino fisherfolk and the need for a reevaluation of the national policy concerning China.
Senator Tolentino echoed the sentiment, stating that the placement of the floating barrier violated international law and should be removed immediately. He commended the PCG's assistance to Filipino fishermen.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva emphasized the urgency of passing the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, declaring maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, including the EEZ where the incident occurred. He also aligned with President Bongbong Marcos's stance on prioritizing the bill's passage.
The PCG and BFAR personnel discovered the barrier during a routine maritime patrol on September 22, 2023, near BDM. Three CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and a Chinese Maritime Militia service boat were responsible for placing the barrier upon the BFAR vessel's arrival.
The barrier has hindered Filipino Fishing Boats (FFBs) from entering the shoal, impacting fishing and livelihood activities.
Local fishermen reported that CCG vessels often install floating barriers when a large number of Filipino fishermen are present in the area. During the patrol, more than fifty FFBs were engaged in fishing activities in the vicinity.
The BFAR provided grocery items and fuel subsidies to the affected fishermen. However, tensions escalated as four CCG vessels initiated a series of fifteen radio challenges, claiming that the presence of the BFAR vessel and Filipino fishermen violated international and Chinese domestic laws.
Several lawmakers have weighed in on the issue. Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly condemned China's actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of Filipino fisherfolk and the need for a reevaluation of the national policy concerning China.
Senator Tolentino echoed the sentiment, stating that the placement of the floating barrier violated international law and should be removed immediately. He commended the PCG's assistance to Filipino fishermen.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva emphasized the urgency of passing the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, declaring maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, including the EEZ where the incident occurred. He also aligned with President Bongbong Marcos's stance on prioritizing the bill's passage.
Sep 25, 2023
